WHAM is a West Houston institution, having been established in 1982, and serving the highest growing section of the city’s business and suburban areas. Executive Director and CEO Shirley Downing said the organization cultivates a culture of creativity.  "Both the employees and our volunteers are encouraged to express ideas for process improvement, communication efficiency, and themes for days when we want to enjoy life.  Sometimes, good ideas need overseers, so that often means the idea giver becomes the project manager."

Beyond having increased business contributions along with individual donations up 60-percent over last year, Downing acknowledges that the volunteers are the prime asset responsible for WHAM’s successful track.  "We have over 300 active volunteers who make sure our programs serve the needy.  And they range in age from 14 to 84 years. So, it is important for all of us to feel joy each day while managing the daily tasks of helping children with few clothes, families with rising utilities costs, and homeless individuals who need help with food and hygiene items." 

Among the many volunteers who have been serving WHAM programs for less fortunate families are Jim Gor, who emigrated from China to Houston in 1948, and Danielle Pitsenbarger, who left Chicago with her family 15 years ago to make Texas her home.

Jim Gor was raised in old Canton City, Hong Kong until the age of eight. His father, a decorated WWII veteran of the Army Air Corps, inspired Gor to become a Quartermaster in the U.S. Army after he graduated from Galena Park High School.

"My parents owned a grocery store when I was growing up, and this helped me to be organized," he said.  "I changed careers, after the army and went into the restaurant business for 10 years. After that I became a pawn broker for five locations here in Houston."

"All this experience really helped me when I found out that WHAM was looking for volunteers.  I love it in the Food Pantry.  There are so many people in need, and I am glad that my being able to give back is appreciated by WHAM and the clients," he said.  Gor has been a WHAM volunteer since 2005, and still donates time to projects at his place of worship.

For Danielle Pitsenbarger, the opportunity to give back through community service came at a much earlier age.  "As a university student, it is difficult to carve out a schedule that allows you to attend class, study, and still go to work.  So, as I found out about the opportunities at WHAM, I was excited, even though I had not ever heard of assistance ministries before," she said.

"I have personally seen WHAM go through changes in the short time I have been here, and it has helped me to grow on a personal level as well.  When I completed orientation, I admit that I was overwhelmed," Pitsenbarger said.  "Second Blessing Store was loaded down with donations, especially clothes, and that is a good thing.  So I told myself that if I stay positive, and work side-by-side with the other volunteers that we would make progress slowly but surely."

She was not far from the mark, as Pitsenbarger worked closely with store manager Willie Duckworth, managing the back of the store clothes sorting and pricing operation.  "I felt I could share my ideas and they would be valued," she said.  "What I enjoyed is that they accepted my efforts and suggestions, despite my young age.  It feels great to work on a project and have all the managers praise your efforts.  I felt like I was part of the team."

Pitsenbarger’s energy did not stop at the store.  She is now an employee in the Second Blessing Store, assisting customers, translating Spanish conversations, and coordinating special events.

WHAM has always had a reputation among the neighborhoods it serves as a model charity, focusing on giving the most that it can to those in need.  While WHAM employees are accepting kudos for attaining the organization’s very first 'Best Places To Work’ Award, and hope to win again next year, management is not distracted from meeting its goals to involve the entirety of the zip code region it serves, both resident and business owner.  "We thank our volunteers who give of their time and talent to WHAM.  They are one of the most important reasons that WHAM is a great place to work," says Downing. 

Since 1982, WHAM, a private 501(c)3  non-profit organization, has been offering short-term assistance to families, children, and homeless individuals in need.  In 2006 WHAM served over 16,000 clients and also provided over 1,000 children with back-to-school supplies.